RESOURCE GUIDEBOOK FOR EDUCATORS
Introduction to Arabic Calligraphy
Grades 7-12
Background:
Beautiful Arabic calligraphy has been in the Islamic tradition for over 1,400 years. You might think that Islamic calligraphy is an ancient art form and no longer exists - but that's not true! Arabic calligraphy is constantly growing and being used in Islamic projects worldwide. Amazing and popular Muslim artists like eL Seed are still creating fresh new designs today - and you can even find them colouring everyday street walls— ‘calligraffiti'. Your task is to learn a little about the history, traditions and styles of Arabic calligraphy and try some lettering of your own.
Educational Objectives:
Design skills, creative thinking skills, introduction to modern Arabic design and calligraphy
Materials:
Pen and paper
Coloured markers
Activity:
Watch the 7-minute video: Introduction to Arabic, Ottoman and Persian Calligraphy from Elisabeth Kvernan on calligraphyqalam.com (CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO)
Ask students to consider and discuss the difference between handwriting and calligraphy (cultural, religious and aesthetic significance)
Share a brief snippet of the 5-minute video: “Arabic Modern Calligraphy Compilation x AlifCalligraphy” for colourful, live action calligraphy creation (available under that title YouTube; channel: Calligraphy Masters). (CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO)
Students work in small groups to examine ideas from the 3-page handout “The Arabic Alphabet” adapted from a lesson by calligraphy artist Joumana Medlej.
Students choose from letter guide sheets that allow them to practice writing particular Arabic letters, and the words for ‘friend', ‘love', or ‘Arabic' available on https://www.education.com/worksheets/arabic/
Once students have mastered their letter and word, they can write this word on a separate piece of paper, using the colours, size and positioning of their choice, for display on a calligraphy wall.
Sources:
calligraphyqalam.com/index.html
www.education.com/worksheets/arabic/
‘Creative Arabic Calligraphy for Beginners: Introduction' by Joumana Medlej https://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/creative-arabic-calligraphy-for-beginners-introduction--cms-22116
For more on calligraffiti artist eL-Seed: https://www.npr.org/2017/11/10/562880267/el-seed-can-the-beauty-of-arabic-calligraphy-shift-perspectives